Here’s What Foods To Eat Or Avoid In Cases Of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a term which describes a burning sensation in the stomach caused by stomach acid going back up the esophagus. The burning can go away quickly on its own, but if it occurs more than twice a week, you should be concerned as it may be a symptom of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Luckily, you can treat and prevent acid reflux by incorporating the following foods in your daily diet:

Apple cider vinegar

ACV contains specific enzymes that will regulate the levels of stomach acid and stop it from going back up the food pipe. Take a tablespoon of the liquid before meals in order to prevent the painful problem.

Green leafy veggies

Consuming green leafy vegetables more often will prevent the excess acid from burning your esophagus.

Kefir

Kefir is a probiotic drink that can boost your digestion, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and prevent acid reflux. Experts recommend drinking a cup of kefir with live cultures that have fermented for no more than a day.

Almonds

Coconut water

Coconut water contains a lot of potassium and electrolytes that will hydrate your body and prevent acid reflux. Drink a few glasses of coconut water and you will never experience the painful problem again.

Ginger

Eat a small piece of ginger a few times a day to regulate the level of stomach acid and prevent it from going back up.

Fermented vegetables

Fermented foods contain the lactobacillus live bacteria that can prevent heartburn and boost your digestion.

Additionally, here are the foods which are causing acid reflux:

Processed foods

These foods contain too much salt and corn which can significantly raise the risk of heartburn.

Mint and peppermint

Both herbs can lower the pressure in your esophageal sphincter and allow the acid to rise, resulting in a higher risk of acid reflux.

Sugar

Sugar can raise the inflammation in your body and make you overeat, which will raise the risk of acid reflux.

Onions and tomatoes

Both vegetables can increase the risk of stomach acid going back up to the esophagus.

Caffeine

Drinking too much coffee, soda or energy drinks can raise the inflammation in the esophagus and cause a burning sensation in your stomach.

Chocolate

Reducing the chocolate intake has been known to reduce the risk of acid reflux and relieve the symptoms.

Alcohol

Limiting your drinks or completely eliminating alcohol will prevent the acid from rising in the esophagus and prevent further flare ups as well.

Besides these tips, in order to avoid acid reflux you’ll also need to stop smoking, sleep on the left side of your body as it improves digestion, eat slower and put yourself on a healthy alkaline diet.

Never take heartburn pills as they can harm the esophagus even more and make sure to exercise regularly every day. If you’re suffering from acid reflux often, try not to bend over as it will aggravate your symptoms. Finally, if nothing helps, you should try relieving the pain with acupuncture.